Special Supplement to the Moorefield ExaminerFebruary 26, 2020

2 WEDDING GUIDE Ð MOOREFIELD EXAMINER Ð FEBRUARY 26, 2020

Like many other elements of the wedding, favors are evolving to help give weddings a custom feel.

Wedding favors have changed Ñ and in many cases for the better. Favors have evolved from the inexpensive trinkets purchased in bulk into more personalized mementos that guests can cherish.

TodayÕ s couples are interested in customiz-ing their weddings and offering guests some-thing meaningful, or at the very least, edible, so that favors donÕ t immediately get relegated to the trash can. According to Heather Jones of Wente Vineyards in California, favors have moved from Ò goodie bagsÓ toward items that are experimental and fun. Wedding planners from across the country offer these wedding favor trends that couples may want to incor-porate into their own celebrations.

Welcome BagsRather than take-home bags, welcome bags

have replaced the traditional favor trinket at some weddings. Many weddings have become multi-day events that ask guests traveling from out of town to attend a wedding weekend. To help greet them and make their experience memorable, couples may fill a gift bag with items guests can use or enjoy during their stay Ñ like a bottle of locally sourced maple syrup or some handmade soaps from a nearby shop-keeper.

Experience GiftsInstead of a candle or a monogrammed cake

server, think of experiences to offer guests. A coupon for free drinks at a nearby brewery, a

tour of a local attraction while guests are in town or a group excursion for guests attending a destination wedding can be fun and will help guests create lasting memories.

Charitable DonationsSome couples feel that favors are wasteful

and would rather set aside a portion of their wedding budgets toward giving back. In such situations, a donation to charity in guestsÕ names can be the way to go. Guests can vote on two favorite charities advertised on a spe-cial table at the wedding reception. The one with the most votes will get the proceeds.

Late-Night SnacksAfter a night of celebrating, some guests

may want the festivities to continue, but may need some extra sustenance to make it through a few more hours. Some couples are eschew-ing traditional favors in lieu of making room for extra food or beverage expenses that can include after-party treats. These may run the gamut from wood-fired pizzas to food truck vendors to extra desserts. A tasty take-home option also may be given, such as fresh zep-polis or beignets, or even a personalized bot-tle of wine. Even if the food and drink is not consumed right away, thereÕ s a good chance it will hit the spot when guests return to their hotel rooms.

Wedding favors are changing to keep up with the times and keep guests feeling extra special.

The Evolution of Wedding Favors

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A Guide to Hosting A Daytime Wedding

Weddings dot the social calendars of mil-lions of people across the globe. The Associ-ation for Wedding Professionals International says every year an average of 2.4 million wed-dings are performed in the United States and approximately 150,000 per year are performed in Canada. Evenings are the most common time of the day to host a wedding, but that does not mean a daytime wedding cannot be a beautiful event and make for a party to re-member.

Couples are increasingly customizing their weddings to be a reflection of their personal styles. One of the ways couples are customiz-ing their festivities is by moving the wedding to various hours of the day that meet the coupleÕ s needs. A wedding that takes place in the late morning or afternoon may be the perfect fit for some couples. HereÕ s how to navigate the specifics of a daytime wedding.

¥ Secure accommodations. An early wed-ding means guests may have to travel from afar the evening before to be able to attend the festivities. Daytime weddings can be com-plemented by working with a hotel or bed and breakfast to ensure guests will have a place to stay and get ready to arrive at the early wed-ding in time.

¥ DonÕ t be afraid to negotiate prices. The wedding resource Bridal Guide says that ven-dors are typically more amenable to price dis-counts or offering greater value for daytime weddings. ThatÕ s because demand for their services is reduced during the day. Similarly,

venues may have more availability during the day than at night, and, as a result, theyÕ re more flexible on prices, especially since brunch foods generally cost less than dinner entrees.

¥ Hire the right photographer. Be sure to contract with a photographer who is a pro at handling photos in daylight and natural light. While many photographers are skilled in any light, many are used to shooting in churches and venues with low lighting. Be sure to see picture samples taken during the daytime to gauge a photographerÕ s daytime experience and skill level.

¥ Employ color to add dimension. During evening weddings, lighting or candles help set the mood. Those same elements will be inef-fective in daylight. Choose bright colors for your decor and flowers to brighten up spaces.

¥ Choose alternative entertainment. Chanc-es are guests are not going to feel as comfort-able dancing during daylight hours. Consid-er other entertainment, such as lawn games, karaoke, or a comedian. A guitarist or pianist may be a nice musical touch.

¥ Plan food accordingly. Just because the wedding is early does not mean the food should be. Guests still will need to eat. If you are only opting for light appetizers and cock-tails, be sure to mention this on the invitation so guests can plan ahead and wonÕ t go hungry.

Daytime weddings can be successful with a little tweaking of traditional evening wedding planning.

December may not mark the peak of wedding season, but many couples tie the knot at the culmination of the holiday season. According to The Knot, a leading wedding industry

resource and information site, New YearÕ s Eve weddings are popular.

A poll from The Knot found that 7,230 weddings were

scheduled for Dec. 31, 2017. Flowing champagne, extra vaca-

tion days during the holidays and long weekends, as well as the

merry atmosphere of the holiday season can make New YearÕ s

Eve a great time to get hitched.

About December Wedding Dates...

4 WEDDING GUIDE Ð MOOREFIELD EXAMINER Ð FEBRUARY 26, 2020

The warm, undulating light cast off by a can-dle adds an unmatched ambiance to a space. Multiply that candle by many and it can create a truly awe-inspiring atmosphere.

Candlelight is a must at any evening wed-ding and can be a key to a successful party as guests tend to loosen their inhibitions in a dimly lit room. While candlelight can add a warming glow to post-wedding festivities, it can play a significant role during the ceremo-ny itself.

Flickering flames within a dimly lit chapel or alternative ceremony site can establish an intimate setting in which a couple exchanges vows. Candles can even become a focal point of the ceremony. For example, some couples may opt to light a unity candle during their ceremonies. The unity candle symbolizes the joining of the families and merging of two in-dividuals into one blended family. Represen-tatives from both families, typically the par-ents of the couple, come up and light a candle for each side of the family. Then the bride and groom will light a center candle from these two

candles. The center candle then represents the unity of the new family and their commitment to each other.

Apart from the unity candle, there may be other ways candles play a role in the ceremo-ny. They can be religious and secular. Candles can symbolize different things, including:

¥ Casting away darkness and showing how love can brighten life,

¥ Candles can provide direction and draw couples together,

¥ A candle can represent the love that lights up the coupleÕ s world, and

¥ The warmth of a relationship mirrored in the warmth of the candle.

Apart from symbolism and ambiance, there is an added benefit to including candles in a wedding ceremony. Brides magazine says that the amber light given off can make for beauti-ful photos as well. Speak with a photographer about the best ways to arrange candles to fully take advantage of their photographic poten-tial.

Make Candles an Illuminating Part of the Wedding Ceremony

Types of Wedding Officiants

Many people play a role in a wedding. The bride and groom, bridesmaids, groomsmen, ring bearers, and flower girls are front and center on the day a couple ties the knot.

Another central, and very important, figure on a couple’s wedding day is the officiant. Offi-ciants perform the wedding ceremony and are the first to introduce the newlyweds to their guests as an officially married couple.

Various types of officiants can officiate a wedding, and understanding each type can help couples find the right one for them.

Religious OfficiantCouples who want traditional religious cere-

monies often choose a religious officiant, such as a parish priest or rabbi, with whom theyÕ re familiar. For example, couples who grew up attending a particular church might choose the priest whoÕ s been preaching to them since they were children, while others might choose the priest at their current place of worship.

Religious officiants may be governed by cer-tain rules that restrict them to performing cer-emonies in a house of worship, which might rule them out for couples who want outdoor or destination weddings. Couples should in-quire about such restrictions as early as pos-sible in the planning process so they arenÕ t caught off guard.

Civil OfficiantCivil officiants are officers of the court, such

as a judge or justice of the peace. Many cou-ples who are planning destination weddings abroad still choose to have a civil officiant perform a wedding ceremony at home. This

is because some overseas officiants may not be authorized to marry couples in their home countries, meaning their marriages wonÕ t be recognized once they return home. Civil offi-ciants make sure marriages are legal, and they also make great options for couples who just want to get hitched without a grand ceremony.

Professional OfficiantProfessional officiants are not affiliated

with a particular religious organization. That makes them great choices for couples who ar-enÕ t religious as well as those who come from different religious backgrounds and wonÕ t be converting to the same faith. Professional of-ficiants typically meet with a couple once or twice to get to know them before writing the speech they will give during the ceremony. Many will share the speech with the couple in advance of the big day, and some even allow couples to write the speech.

Loved OnesMany couples ask a friend or family mem-

ber to officiate their weddings, which can add a fun and very personal component to the cer-emony. Couples who want to take this route should research local laws to determine the steps loved ones must take to become or-dained ministers who will be recognized by the state or country where the ceremony will take place.

Officiants play a significant role during a wedding, and couples can choose one who best fits their personalities and ceremony pref-erences.

Various types of officiants can officiate a wedding, and understanding each type can help couples find the right one for them.

WEDDING GUIDE Ð MOOREFIELD EXAMINER Ð FEBRUARY 26, 2020 5

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Family Features

First comes the proposal then comes the wedding planning. There are dozens of deci-sions that need to be made before itÕ s time to walk down the aisle, which can be overwhelm-ing for brides and grooms.

To help make it less stressful, these tips from MacyÕ s can help couples through the entire wedding-planning process, from on-trend apparel and accessories for the entire wedding party to all the essentials to create a perfect registry.

Dressing the LadiesWhen it comes to bridesmaid dresses, the

mix-and-match approach is trending in pop-ularity. Start by deciding on a color palette, such as lilac, champagne and petal pink. Then have each bridesmaid choose her favorite style within that range of hues. Bring it all to-gether by choosing a uniform look for make-up, shoes and accessories.

There is no better time to thank the la-dies than the morning of the big day. A few thoughtful gifts can go a long way, such as matching robes, tumblers to stay hydrated throughout the day and cosmetic cases to stow makeup essentials.

Dressing the GentsSimilar to bridesmaid dresses, groomsmen

attire can be dependent on the venue and overall event aesthetic. While a suit can fit the bill for a country club wedding, a city affair may call for the sleek finishes of a tux. Tuxe-

do accessories, such as cuff links or bow ties, make great groomsmen gifts and are classic pieces they can use time and time again.

Creating the Perfect RegistryWhen building a registry, itÕ s never too early

to start. People want to give gifts as soon as

they know a couple is engaged. Start by taking inventory of what you already have, what you need and what you want to upgrade. ItÕ s also recommended to update the registry regularly so there are enough gifts to choose from, es-pecially if there is an engagement party and bridal shower coming up. To get started, some popular registry items include stand mixers,

craft beer glasses, Dutch ovens, bath towels

and vacuums. For extra guidance, couples can

speak to advisors who can help with the full

registry building process at MacyÕ s stores.

For more wedding ideas and inspiration,

and to find the right attire and gifts for your

wedding planning, visit macys.com.

Wedding Planning 101

While flowers certainly add beauty and a wonderful aroma to wedding ceremonies and receptions, there are other rea-sons behind their inclusion in such festivities. In ancient Rome,

brides carried or wore flower garlands because the Romans believed flowers signified hope, fertility and new beginnings. In the Middle Ages, brides did not carry flowers, but rather strong-smelling spices and herbs. The rationale was that the herbs and spices would drive away bad luck and evil spirits.

Flowers also served another practical purpose. In eras when bathing was a luxury, different flowers and herbs helped mask body odors. It wasn’t until the Victorian era, when flowers were used to symbolize romantic love, that they became part of wed-ding ceremonies, according to Modern Weddings magazine.

About Flowers...

6 WEDDING GUIDE Ð MOOREFIELD EXAMINER Ð FEBRUARY 26, 2020

How Are You Getting Here to There on Your Wedding Day?YouÕ ve planned the date, met with the of-

ficiant, decided on what to wear, and booked the venue. But how are you going to arrive in style?

Arranging wedding transportation can be tricky, even if it seems like itÕ s a relatively mi-nor detail. However, getting not only the bride and groom, as well as the rest of the brid-al party and guests, from point A to point B and even point C is often a taller task than it seems.

The wedding planning resource The Knot says couples should begin focusing on trans-portation between four and six months before their weddings. If the wedding will be held during prom or graduation season, couples may want to reserve vehicles even earlier due to high demand.

While rented transportation is not neces-sary, itÕ s a luxury many couples prefer, as it allows them to leave the driving to someone else. Generally speaking, hired cars will pick up the bride and groom separately before the ceremony; otherwise, they will arrive to the ceremony by other means and then utilize a

limo or other vehicle afterward. The transpor-tation will then take the married couple and typically members of the bridal party and im-mediate family to the reception venue.

Depending on the head count and how many other people will be getting a lift, two or more vehicles may be necessary. And since the limos will leave after the reception drop off, some other form of transportation will be nec-essary to take the couple and whomever else rode to the reception back home (or to the airport). This may require dropping off one or more personal cars at the reception venue in advance.

Budget also will dictate if transportation is provided for other guests. The majority or guests will drive their own cars to the wedding. However, if the ceremony and reception site are far apart or if the journey is arduous and out of the way, some well-meaning couples will arrange for transport. Many times couples will have to opt for function over form when tasked with transporting a large number of people. Pricing out different options can yield the most cost-effective route, which very well

may be a school or charter bus instead of sev-eral limousines.

Couples can start the process by asking their reception venue for transportation rec-

ommendations. Or if there are hotel accom-

modations after the party, the hotel may have

connections or offer shuttle services.

A first dance song at the wedding reception often sets the tone for the upcoming festivities and can exemplify just how newlyweds feel

about each other. Couples may agonize over which song to choose, but there are many dif-ferent resources available that can help cou-

ples narrow down their options. Spotify, the popular streaming music service, has compiled a list of the most popular wedding songs for 2018, based on global respondents. Their top pick was Ò Perfect,Ó by Ed Sheeran, a song that many might suspect was composed with wed-

ding dances in mind. SheeranÕ s Ò Thinking Out

Loud,Ó Etta JamesÕ Ò At Last,Ó John LegendÕ s

Ò All of Me,Ó and Elvis PresleyÕ s Ò CanÕ t Help

Falling in Love” filled out the remaining top

five spots on Spotify’s list.

About First Dances...

WEDDING GUIDE Ð MOOREFIELD EXAMINER Ð FEBRUARY 26, 2020 7

Weddings are very special occasions for two people who are in love. ThatÕ s why many couples want close family and friends nearby

when they tie the knot. But even the happiest couples may express some nervousness about one particular part of traditional wedding cer-

emonies.Wedding vows are a way for couples to pro-

fess their love for each other. However, many

A Push for Private Vows

Gone are the days when wedding reception menus were limited to the one-size-fits-all offerings of meat, chicken or fish. Thanks to modern diets, couples hoping to accommo-date guests may need to provide a wide array of food choices.

It is impossible to pinpoint an exact num-ber, as there are no definitive surveys classi-fying all dietary preferences, but there are be-lieved to be around 7.9 million people in the United States who follow a vegetarian-based diet. Of those people, around one million are strictly vegan, according to data in The Econ-omist. In addition, NYU Langone Health says one-third of Americans are trying to avoid glu-ten. The Gluten Free Agency, which is a con-sulting group dedicated to helping advertisers, says some nine million people in Canada are going gluten-free now for medical or personal reasons. Toss in the scores of people with pea-nut or other allergies and even more caution is needed when designing wedding menus.

Savvy couples who have guestsÕ health and comfort in mind recognize the importance of offering a varied meal plan for wedding-relat-ed parties and receptions. The following are some ideas to consider when planning wed-

ding menus.¥ Consider a buffet-style service. Although

couples might like the tradition and flair that a seated/plated meal offers, it creates a much more limited selection of meal options. Buf-fet-style dinner service often provides couples with multiple choices, and itÕ s much more like-ly they can come up with a combination that caters to any food allergies or dietary restric-tions guests may have.

¥ Opt for food stations. In lieu of one long buffet table, a modern approach is to have staffed food stations. Foods as well as their ingredients can be clearly stated on food ta-ble placards so guests can make appropriate choices.

¥ Offer alternatives for dessert. Wedding cake can be a challenge to someone with a glu-ten sensitivity or an egg or a nut allergy. While not every guest indulges in dessert, make it a point to offer an alternative to cake. Perhaps a groomÕ s cake can be revamped into glu-ten-free cookie bars or a nut-free trifle.

Couples who know in advance which types of dietary restrictions their guests have can work with caterers to devise a menu that suits everyone.

Cater Wedding Menus to Guests’ Dietary Needs

Thanks to modern diets, couples hoping to accommodate guests may need to provide a wide array of food choices.

couples who want to write their own vows are hesitant to say them aloud in front of an audi-ence. If couples are intimidated by a heartfelt recital of their vows in front of a crowd, then exchanging vows in private may be for them.

Wedding planners and industry experts say that private vows have become very popular. While the vows do not replace the public ex-change that seals the marriage from a legal standpoint, they can be words shared in a pri-vate moment before the actual ceremony it-self. A quiet moment alone allows couples to shed private tears and share a special moment before they make haste for the altar.

The Knot, a premier wedding planning re-source, notes that there are many reasons to share private vows.

¥ You do not like being in the spotlight or become shy in front of crowds.

¥ There are words you would like to share with your future spouse that are deeply pri-vate, and you donÕ t want to express those feel-ings to every person at the wedding.

¥ You do not want to censor your thoughts or words.

¥ You desire an intimately private and per-sonal moment together before all of the fan-fare and rush of the wedding.

¥ YouÕ d like to recite loving words in a na-tive language that some guests may not under-stand.

¥ You desire the potential for some very great candid photos if you invite the photog-rapher to be there at a distance.

¥ You want to create a lasting memory that is only yours as a couple to share.

The popularity of private vows exchanged before a wedding ceremony is growing. This growing trend provides yet another way for couples to personalize their weddings.